Amen Thompson makes strong case for individual award in latest Rockets win

Houston Rockets fans are not fond of Draymond Green.

He should take that as a compliment. Green is arguably the best defensive player of his generation. During the Harden era of Rockets basketball, he was a thorn in the team's side. Green is an irritant, and he's outstanding at his job.

Lately, he's garnering Defensive Player of the Year consideration. Green will be remembered as one of the best defensive players of all time, but this year, he doesn't deserve the award.

A certain Rocket would be more deserving.

Rockets' Amen Thompson makes Defensive Player of the Year case

Amen Thompson made his case in Houston's 106-96 win over the Warriors on Wednesday.

It's not just that he had 3 steals and 2 blocks. Yes, Thompson's defensive playmaking was on full display. Few players in the league can disrupt a possession as frequently as he can.

Thompson also played dominant man defense. He was frequently assigned to Steph Curry - another longtime thorn in the Rockets' side.

This time, a Rocket was the thorn.

Curry had just 3 points on 1/10 shooting from the field. It was one of the poorest performances Rockets fans have ever had the luxury of watching Curry have. Thompson was primarily responsible, giving Curry fits with relentless, smothering perimeter defense.

Thompson was the best defensive player on the floor last night. That's practically irrefutable.

Shouldn't he have a stronger Defensive Player of the Year case than Green?

Thompson will compete for awards for years to come

Yes. Unequivaclly, definitively - yes.

That doesn't mean Thompson will finish higher than Green in the final voting.

Green is in line for a legacy award. Victor Wembanyama was the runaway favorite to take home the Defensive Player of the Year hardware this season. When he suffered a season-ending injury, the award became open to the field.

Green isn't Thompson's only competition. Evan Mobley has a strong case - he may even be the rightful winner. Dyson Daniels has been impressive this year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is always in the running. Luguentz Dort is arguably the best defensive player on (inarguably) the best defensive team in the NBA.

It will be interesting to watch this play out. Rockets fans should not lose sleep. Thompson is a sophomore. He needs more time to establish himself as a premier defender.

He should be in the mix in 2024-25 - and he should have a stronger case than Green. Still, Green will soon retire, and Thompson will be in Defensive Player of the Year conversations for a decade or more.

Hopefully, at the Warriors' expense.